Girls on the Run is looking for adult mentors for their fall season that starts September 20. In the words of Girls on the Run coaches Alex Taylor, Kathy Oliver and Amber Larna find out what it meant to them to spend time with the girls in the program. Also how they learned that Girls on the Run program was not only about running and discovering your potential, but also learning amazing life skills! Email mary@girlsontherunwrv.org if you'd like more information about coaching.
COACH KATHY
"Although I am a woman, now unbelievably to me---approaching 60(!) I am a busy, active teacher who, after attending a talk by Kristin Armstrong in our area felt the "call" to serve the very needy (but so wonderful) students at our school. Recently I have had to face some unexpected losses in my life and being able to fill my cup by GIVING in this very small way these past two weeks in GOTR has brought me incredible JOY, almost beyond words.
All my life I have struggled with my weight and still do, so this is a huge stretch for me to put on the clothes, the shoes and get out there with the girls. Just writing you and admitting it, putting it "out there" touches such a nerve (probably part of never quite feeling like I measured up---always needing to lose weight---still---again!!!) The Girl Box closes in around so tightly that somehow it was suffocating and I wondered if I had done the right thing. The power of the Girl Box to consume us at any age must be squelched! READ MORE

COACH ALEX
"Being a coach for Girls on the Run was so much more than I ever thought it would be. My first thought was that I would be able to assist the girls in increasing/maintaining a good physical regimen that would make them feel good or better about themselves, feel a part of a committed group and have fun all at the same time. For myself, I thought GOTR was an opportunity to give some of my time back to the youth in our community, learn about what girls that age are up to and maybe get in better physical shape. What it really was...
READ MORE
COACH AMBER
"Last year was my first time coaching GOTR. There was a girl that struggled with the running part and yet she worked sooo hard. Every session she was the one struggling. During the 5k she still struggled. As I approached her in the race, I patted her on the back, ran with her for a bit, and encouraged her. She told me how excited she was. Her smile extended from ear to ear. At that moment I knew it was okay to pass. As I did I started crying… finishing the whole 5k with tears in my eyes. It is so hard for me to put into words the feelings I went through that day, but being a GOTR coach is probably one of the MOST rewarding things I have done. It is an amazing program, the things it does not only for the young girls but for their coaches."